Wiretapping Law Sparks Rage In Sweden

castrox writes "This Wednesday at 9am the Swedish Parliament is voting on a new wiretapping law which would enable the civil agency (FRA — Defense Radio Agency) to snoop on all traffic crossing the Swedish border. E-mail, fax, telephone, web, SMS, etc. 24/7 without any requirement to obtain a court order. Furthermore, by law, the sitting Government will be able to instruct the wiretapping agency on what to look for. It also nullifies anonymity for press tipsters and whistleblowers. Many agencies within Sweden have weighed in on this, with very hefty criticism, e.g. SÄPO (akin to FBI in the US), the Justice Department, ex-employees of FRA, and more. Nonetheless, the ruling party block is supposedly pressuring its members to vote 'yes' to this new proposed law with threats to unseat any dissidents. After massive activity on blogs by ordinary citizens, and street protests, the story has finally been picked up by major Swedish news sources. The result will likely be huge street protests on Wednesday. People have been completely surprised since this law has not gotten any media uptake until very late in the game."

Comments

Re:Where's the outrage in the rest of the free wor

[Cathoderoytube]

I'm getting sick and tired of people constantly referencing George Orwell whenever some government institutes a wire tapping law. There wasn't any bloody wire tapping in Animal Farm!

Re:Where's the outrage in the rest of the free wor

[Anonymous Coward]

Father does know best. And, Mommy too when the Dems are in power.

What Europe needs is another fascist.

[Anonymous Coward]

What Europe needs is another fascist. You know, one who can "get things done" without opposition.

Re:What Europe needs is another fascist.

[Tablizer]

What Europe needs is another fascist. You know, one who can "get things done" without opposition.

I know of two men who will be available for such a position on January 20th, 2009. Their resume in this subject area is quite impressive. That is if you are not selective about grammar by one of them.

Re:Where's the outrage in the rest of the free wor

[TapeCutter]

"Obviously you've never had soylent greens..."

What sort of meat comes with the greens?

Re:Where's the outrage in the rest of the free wor

[TapeCutter]

I'm not an anarchist but my lawn is booby trapped. :o

Re:This is not an isolated incident

[rossz]

I personally don't believe that more anti-freedom laws are popping up these days. The internet is just making us more aware of them when they do pop up.

Re:Where's the outrage in the rest of the free wor

[pisto_grih]

you forgot Phase 4) ??? and Phase 5) Profit!. I'll get my coat.